Overspring collector ring in device for internally coating can bodies



Jan. 25, 1966 J. c. BRICHTA, JR.. ETAL 3,230,927

OVERSPRING COLLECTOR RING IN DEVICE FOR INTERNALLY COATING CAN BODIES 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 6, 1962 INVENTORS- JEEQME C. B2\CHTA,J\'. J SYLVESTEZ L.FL.UGGE

BY p M ATTORNzYS 1966 J. c. BRICHTA, JR., ETAL 3,230,927

OVERSPRING COLLECTOR RING IN DEVICE FOR INTERNALLY CQATING CAN BODIES Filed July 6, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet z INVENTORS JEEOME C. B2|HTA,32.

82 r SYLVESTEZ LFFLUGGE 1955 J. c. BRICHTA, JR.. ETAL 3,230,927

OVERSPRING COLLECTOR RING IN DEVICE FOR INTERNALLY COATING CAN BODIES Filed July 6, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS JEROME C. Brzucu-mjz. SYLVESTEE LUGGE BY mm fnm m %EYS n- 1956 J. c. BRICHTA, JR. ETAL 3,230,927

OVERSPRING COLLECTOR RING IN DEVICE FOR INTERNALLY COATING CAN BODIES 5 Sheets-Sheet 4.

Filed July 6, 1962 1966 J. c. BRICHTA, JR., ETAL 3,230,927

OVERSPRING COLLECTOR RING IN DEVICE FOR INTERNALLY COATING CAN BODIES Filed July 6, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 pl- INVENTORS JEQOME C. Baum-111x32, $YLVESTE2 k. TLUGGE W PWZZ YM IP16. I3

United States Patent 3,230,927 OVERSPRING COLLECTOR RING IN DEVICE FOR INTERNALLY COATING CAN BODIES Jerome C. Brichta, In, Chicago, and Sylvester L. Fiugge,

Elmhurst, llL, assignors to Continental Can Company,

Inc., New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed July 6, 1962, Ser. No. 268,085 11 Claims. (Cl. 118317) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in the manufacture of can bodies, and more particularly relates to a novel device for applying a coating to the interiors of can bodies.

Can bodies are automatically formed in a machine generally referred to as a body maker. This machine starts with a flat, rectangular sheet metal blank and performs thereon the necessary cutting and bending operations, after which the blank is shaped around a horn and the edges thereof interlocked so as to have a tubular configuration. After all of these operations have been completed, it is then desired in many instances to coat the interiors of the can bodies so as to protect the can bodies against the product to be packaged therein.

It is to be understood that although a body maker forms can bodies in a plurality of steps, the can bodies are formed at a very high rate and follow one another closely off of the horn of the body maker. In view of the relatively small space between adjacent can bodies, it is the primary object of this invention to provide an apparatus for internally coating can bodies as they pass ofi? of a body maker, the apparatus including means for supplying a continuous film which, as the can bodies pass ing the film when no can body is in position to intercept the film, the collector ring being of a construction to prevent waste of the coating material.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel coating apparatus for coating the interiors of tubular members, such as can bodies, as the members pass off of-a horn, the apparatus including a suitable film forming head carried by the horn and within the path of tubular members moving off of the horn, whereby the formed film will be directed against the interiors of the tubular members to eifectively coat the same, the apparatus including first and second conveyors, with the first conveyor receiving the tubular members from the horn and passing the tubular members onto the second conveyor, the two conveyors being separated by a collector ring against which a coating film from the head carried by the horn is normally directed, whereby when tubular members are not in position to intercept the coating film, the coating film will be directed against the collector ring and collected thereby.

Another object of this invention is to provide novel apparatus for coating the interiors of can bodies, the apparatus including a fixed film forming head disposed within the path of moving can bodies, a collector ring disposed around the path of moving can bodies and in position for receiving coating film from the film forming head, and there being first and second conveyors disposed in alignment for passing can bodies over the film forming head and through the collector ring whereby the film forming head may continuously form a film and direct the same outwardly to be intercepted by the can bodies, the conveyors engaging only the exterior surfaces of the can bodies whereby the conveyors in no way interfere with the coating operation, and none of the coating material comes into contact with the conveyors.

Another object of this invention is to provide in combination with a film forming mechanism for forming a film coating on the interior of can bodies, a conveyor including a plurality of endless belts each having a run disposed parallel to the path of movement of can bodies and positioned for engagement with can bodies moving along the path thereof, the runs of the endless belts being circumferentially spaced about the path of the can bodies so as to effectively engage the exteriors of the can bodies and to support the same for straight line movement.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel film forming head for forming a continuous film of coating material to be applied to the interiors of tubular members, the film forming head including a supply pipe having an end, a stud projecting from the end of the supply pipe and an end plate carried by the stud and spaced from the end of the supply pipe to define a continuous annular orifice through which the coating material is forced under pressure to define a generally circular film.

Another object of this invention is to form a film forming head in accordance with the foregoing object, wherein an adapter plate may be inserted between the end of the supply pipe and the end plate, with the adapter being formed with a relatively small discharge opening therethrough, whereby the forming of a film by the film forming head is limited to a narrow strip of film for the purpose of side striping only the seam of a can body.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a novel collector ring for collecting the film of coating material not intercepted by tubular members, the film being continuously supplied from a film forming head, the collector ring being circular in outline and having varying cross-section whereby all of the coating material striking the collector ring will flow around the collector ring to the bottom thereof and out through a drain pipe.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus for applying a coating to a tubular member which has been previously formed, the apparatus including a floating horn adapted to receive the tubular members, a film forming head carried by the horn for forming a film of coating material to be applied to the interiors of the tubular members, and reciprocating support elements supporting the horn in timed relation to the movement of tubular members thereover, at least certain of the support elements being in the form of fluid supply members and serving to supply the coating material through the horn to the spray head.

In accordance with the foregoing object, it is pointed out that in the manufacture of can bodies it is often desirable to apply solder to the side seams of the can bodies and to permit the solder to set before the interiors of the can bodies are coated. Accordingly, it is therefore not always desirable to directly apply coating material to the can bodies as they pass off of the horn of the body maker. Further, there are times when it is desired to place two coatings on the interiors of can bodies and other tubular members.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus for supplying coating material to a film forming head carried by the floating horn, the apparatus including supporting elements for the horn which are reciprocated into and out of contact with the horn in timed relation to the movement of elements thereover, and certain of the support elements being tubular for the dispensing of coating material into the horn when the supporting elements are in contact therewith, the horn and the supporting elements having cooperating valves whereby coating material flows through the support elements into the horn only when the support elements are fully seated against the horn.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for forming can bodies, applying first interior coatings thereto, curing the first coatings, and then applying second coatings over the cured first coatings, all of this being accomplished in a continuous operation.

illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a schematic side elevational view of an apparatus formed in accordance with this invention for the continuous forming and handling of can bodies and the application of two interior coatings thereto.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view with parts broken away and shown in section of the discharge'end of a body maker having attached thereto the coating apparatus in accordance with this invention, only those portions of the body maker essential for the description of the coating apparatus being shown in detail.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2, and shows the specific details of a can body handling conveyor and the specific means for effecting the driving of the same.

FIGURE 4 is another enlarged transverse vertical sectional View, the view being taken along the line 44 of FIGURE 2, with the background details being omitted for purposes of clarity and shows further the details of the conveyor shown in FIGURE 3 and the relationship of such conveyor with respect to the coating mechanism.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 5--5 of FIGURE 2 through only the horn of the body maker, and shows the specific details thereof and the relationship of runs of the conveyor belts with respect thereto.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIGURE 5 and shows the specific details of the reciprocating can body feed associated with the horn.

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 77 of FIGURE 4, and shows the specific details of the film forming head, the collector ring and portions of one of the can body supporting and conveying conveyors.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIGURE 7, and shows further the details of construction of the spray head and the collector ring.

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged side elevational View of the second coating apparatus, with portions thereof removed for purposes of clarity, and shows the specific details of the mounting of the floating horn and the relationship of this coating apparatus with respect thereto,

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken along the line 1tl10 of FIGURE 9, and shows the specific details of the means for moving can bodies along the floating horn and the relationship of a conveyor of the coating apparatus with respect to the horn for removing can bodies therefrom.

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line Ill-11 of FIGURE 9, and shows the specific details of the mounting and drive for one of the can body conveyors.

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged transversevertical sectional view taken along the line 1'-12 of FIGURE 9, and shows the specific details of the horn construction and the means for effecting the supporting thereof.

FIGURE 13 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional viewtaken along the line l313 of FIGURE 12, and shows the specific details of the valve mechanism for supplying a coating material to the floating horn through one of the support elements therefor.

FIGURE 14 is an elevational view of an adapter plate to be mounted within the film forming head during a side seam striping operation. 7

FIGURE 15 is a vertical sectional view taken through a slightly modified form of film forming head and collector ring. 1

Referring 'now to the drawings in "detail, reference is first made to FIGURE 1 wherein'the general environment of the invention is illustrated. In the forming of a can body, a plurality of rectangular blanks 20 are mounted in a hopper 21 of a conventional type of body maker, generally referred to by the numeral 22. A typical body maker is found in the patent to Nelson Troyer, Patent No. 1,772,820, granted on August 12, 1930. The body maker 22, 'as is clearly shown in the Troyer patent, performs the necessary shapingand bending operations on the blanks 20 to form a can body, which will be referred to by the letter C. In accordance with this invention, mounted on the discharge end of the body maker 22 is a coating apparatus, generally referred to by the numeral .23. The coating apparatus 23, in accordance with this invention, applies a film of coating material on the interior surfaces of the can bodies C immediately after the forming thereof by the body maker 22. The internally coated can bodies C are then delivered to a conveyor, generally referred to by the numeral'24, which passes the coated can bodies C through a curing oven 25. The'conveyor 24 has a horizontal run 26 which passes through the oven 25 and also includes a vertical chute-like portion 27 which ina sense defines a hopper'for a supply of internally coated and cured can bodies. These internally coated and cured can bodies C are then delivered to a second coating apparatus, generally referred to by the numeral 28. After an internal coating operation has been performed by the coating apparatus 28, the coated can bodies C pass to a further conveyor, generally referred to by the numeral 29 which, if desired, may lead to an oven, such as the oven 25.

At this time, it is pointed out that although the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1 provides for two separate internal coatings on the can bodies, if desired, the coating apparatus 28 could be bypassed or under certain conditions, the coating apparatus 23 could be eliminated. For example, can bodies formed by the body maker 22 may be passed to a seam soldering apparatus (not shown) after which thesoldered seamed can bodies are delivered by means of a chute, such as the chute 27, to the coating apparatus 28. In a like manner, other tubular members besides can bodies could be delivered to the coating apparatus 28 through the chute 27.

Referring now to FIGURE 2 in particular, it will be seen that the body maker 22'includes a forming horn 30 about which the can bodies are formed from the blank state. The body maker includes suitable blank shaping mechanism 31 which wraps the blanks around the forming horn 30 and hooks thehooks thereof. After this has been accomplished, the hooked flanges are bumped together by means of a bumper 32. All of this structure is'conventional, as is disclosed in the aforementioned Troyer patent.

Although the Troyer patent does not disclose any means for supporting the can bodies after being formed about the forming horn 30, it is conventional in body makers to provide a stub born 33 which is an extension of the forming horn 30. The can bodies, as well as the can "body blanks, are fed through the body maker 22 and along the stub horn 33 by means of a reciprocating horizontal feed bar 34 which, as is clearly shown in FIGURE 5, is'seated in a groove 35 in the stub horn 33. The feed bar 34 is provided with a plurality of dogs 36 which are mounted in the manner best shown in FIGURE 6. Each dog 36 has a pivotal connection, as at 37, with the feed bar 34 and is urged to an outermost blank or can body engaging position by a spring '38. Each dog 36 has a forward portion 39 which is movable downwardly into an opening 49 formed in the feed bar 34 so that each feed dog 36 may be retracted to slide under the next following blank or can body when the feed bar '34 is moved to the left, as viewed in FIGURE 6, in the reciprocations thereof, 'It will be readily apparent'that the can bodies C cannot be internally coated as long as they The coating apparatus 23 includes a frame defined by a vertical plate 41 which is suitably secured to the frame of the body maker 22. The frame of the coating apparatus 23 also includes a horizontal plate 42 which is secured to the upper edge of the vertical plate 41 and which is braced relative thereto by longitudinally spaced gussets 43, as is clearly shown in FIGURE 4. The plates 41 and 42 carry a first conveyor, generally referred to by the numeral 44, and a second conveyor, generally referred to by the numeral 45.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 3, wherein the details of construction of one end of the second conveyor 45 and the manner in which the second conveyor 45 is driven, are shown.

Extending to the left from the vertical plate 41 are two bearing supports 46 which are vertically spaced and aligned. A vertical drive shaft 47 passes through the bearing supports 46 and is rotatably journaled therein. The upper end of the vertical drive shaft 47 is coupled to an output shaft 48 of a variable speed drive mechanism 49 by means of a coupling 50. The variable speed drive mechanism 49 is driven by an electric motor 51 and has a control handle 52 for varying the drive ratio between the electric motor 51 and the output shaft 48. The electric motor 51 is suitably mounted on the horizontal plate 42.

A hanger 53 depends from the outer edge of the hori zontal plate 42 generally parallel to the vertical plate 41. A horizontal shaft 54 extends through the plate 41 to the hanger 53 and is supported in bearings 55 and 56 carried by the plate 41 and the hanger 53, A pulley 57 is disposed centrally of the shaft 54.

A horizontal bearing support 58 extends to the right from the plate 41 and carries a shaft 59. A pulley, like the pulley 57, is carried by the shaft 59. The pulley carried by the shaft 59 is referred to by the numeral 60 and is disposed generally at right angles to the plane of the pulley 57.

A bearing support 61 extends to the left from the hanger 53 in opposed relation to the bearing support 58. A shaft 62 is rotatably journaled in the bearing support 61 and carries a pulley 63 which lies in the same plane with and opposes the pulley 60.

A bearing member 64 extends to the right from the lower part of the plate 41 and supports a shaft 65 for rotation. A pulley 66 is carried by the shaft 65 and lies in the same plane as the pulley 57. It will thus be apparent that the pulleys 57, 60, 63 and 66 are disposed in a rectilinear pattern.

In order that the shafts 54, 59, 62 and 65 may be driven, suitable gears are provided. A bevel gear 67 is mounted on the lower end of the shaft 47 and meshes with a bevel gear 68 on the left end of the shaft 65. The left end of the shaft 54 is provided with a bevel gear 69 which is meshed with a bevel gear 70 carried by the shaft 47 above the bearing support 46. A bevel gear 71 on the upper end of the shaft 59 meshes with a bevel gear 72 on the shaft 54. Another bevel gear 73 on the upper end of the shaft 62 meshes with the bevel gear 74 carried by the shaft 54. Thus, all of the pulleys 57, 60, 63 and 66 are driven in the same direction and at the same speed.

Referring now to FIGURE 4 in particular, it will be seen that there are illustrated the details of the left end of the conveyor 45. A bearing member 75 depends from the plate 42 remote from the plate 41 and carries a shaft (not shown) which in turn supports a pulley 76 aligned with and corresponding to the pulley 63. A drive sprocket 77 is coupled to the pulley 76.

A horizontal bearing member 78 extends to the left of the upper portion of the plate 41, as viewed in FI URE 4, and carries a shaft (not shown) which in turn carries a pulley 79. The pulley 79 is aligned with and corresponds to the pulley 57. A sprocket 80 is coupled to the pulley 79.

A lower bearing member 81 extends from the plate 41 below the bearing member 78 and carries a shaft (not shown) on which the-re is mounted a pulley 82 which corresponds to the pulley 66 and is aligned therewith. A sprocket 83 is coupled to the pulley 82.

A bearing support 84 extends to the left from the plate 41, as is shown in FIGURE 4, and supports a vertical shaft (not shown) which carries a horizontally disposed pulley 85. The pulley 85 corresponds to and is aligned with the pulley 60. A sprocket 86 is coupled to the pulley 85.

An endless belt 87 is entrained over the pulleys 57 and 79, with the pulley 79 being driven thereby. A like endless belt 88 is entrained over the pulleys 66 and 82, with the pulley 82 being driven thereby. Another endless belt 89 is entrained over the pulleys 60 and 85, with the pulley 85 being driven thereby. The pulley 76 is driven by an endless belt 90 which is entrained over the pulleys 63 and 76. It is to be noted that the endles belts 87, 88, 89 and 90 each have a run disposed parallel to and contiguous to the path of moving can bodies C. As a result, these runs of the endless belts, which are circumferentially spaced about the path of movement of the can bodies C, as is shown in FIGURE 3, for example, firmly support the can bodies and move the can bodies in a predetermined straight line.

The conveyor 44 is of a similar construction to that of the conveyor 45 and includes a plurality of pulleys 92 which are mounted in the same manner as are the pulleys shown in FIGURE 4 and about which are entrained endless belts 93 which are aligned with and correspond to the endless belts of the conveyor 45. The conveyor 44 is driven from the conveyor 45 at the same speed by means of chains 94. The chains 94 are entrained over the sprockets shown in FIGURE 4 and over similar sprockets at the right hand end of the conveyor 44.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 5, wherein it is shown that the horn 33 is provided with recesses 95 in the periphery thereof corresponding to the positions of the endless belts 93. The endless belts 93, when not in engagement with a can body, ride generally within the recesses 95. In this manner, engagement of the endless belts 93 with a can body C is assured.

Referring now to FIGURES 2 and 7, it will be seen that the conveyors 4'4 and 45 are spaced apart with the result that a can body C must bridge a relatively wide space as it passes from the conveyor 44 to the conveyor 45. It is within this space that a film forming head, generally referred to by the numeral 96, is mounted. The film forming head 96 shown in FIGURE 7 is attached to the end of a supply tube 97. The supply tube 97 has a straight cut end 98.

The supply tube 97 is provided with a spider 99 adjacent the square cut end thereof, and the spider 99 is held in place within the supply tube 97 by means of suitable fasteners 100. A stud 191 is carried by the spider 99 and extends out through the end of the supply tube 97 along the center thereof. An end plate 102 is carried by the stud 101, the end plate 102 including an integral nut portion 193 which is threadedly engaged with the threaded extremity of the stud 101 and which has an external configuration to facilitate the turning thereof. The end plate 102 has a face 104 which is opposed to the square cut end 98 of the supply tube 97. The face 104 and the square cut end 98 combine to define an annular orifice 195 through which coating material is delivered to define a film 106, with the pattern of the film 106 being generally circular. It is to be understood that by varying the spacing betwen the square cut end 98 and the face 104 of the end plate 102, the width of the orifice 105 may be varied, and in this manner, the thickness of the film 106 may be varied. A spring 107 is carried by the stud 101 and bears against the end plate 102 to resist the rotation thereof.

It will be understood that the coating material will be supplied to the head 96 in sufficient quantity and under from the horn 125.

the proper pressure to provide for the necessary forming of the film 106. The film pattern will have a greater circumferential extent than that of the can body C so as to ensure the complete application of film to the interior of the can body C It will be readliy apparent that in accordance with this invention, it is not feasible to start and stop the forming of the film 106 in accordance with the positioning of can bodies with respect to the film forming head 96. Accordingly, the film 106 is continuously produced by the head 96. However, the can bodies are not disposed immediately one after the other in view of the intermittent operation of the body maker 22. As a result, there is a space between adjacent can bodies through which the film 106 passes periodically. In order to prevent the waste of the coating material and at the same time prevent the undesired coating of parts of the machinery, a collector ring 108 is mounted intermediate the conveyors 4d and 45 and in the path of the film 106. The film 106, when not intercepted by a can body, passes onto the collector ring 108 and impinges thereagainst. The collector ring 108 is so shaped that the film of coating material striking thereagainst will flow around and downwardly to the bottom of the collector ring 108 Where it will pass out through a drain line 109. It is to be noted that the upper portion of the collector ring 108 is concavely curved, as at 110, Whereas the lower portion of the collector ring 108 is convexly curved, as at 111. It will be understood that the curvature of the collector ring 108 varies from the concave cross-section at the top thereof to a straight line cross-section at the midpoint of the height thereof, after which the cross-section changes to a convex cross-section, with the maximum convexity being at the bottom of the collector ring 108. In this manner, all of the film of coating material striking against the collector ring 108 is retained therein and flows down the drain line 109.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 2 wherein it will be seen that the coating apparatus 23 includes a reservoir 112 for coating material. A pump 113 is mounted on the reservoir 112 and has an intake line 114. A discharge line 115 is connected to the opposite end of the pump 113 and extends into the horn 33, the discharge line 115 suitably passing through the horn 33 and being coupled to the supply tube 97. A pressure control valve 116 is mounted in the discharge line 115. It is also to be noted that the reservoir 112 is disposed below the level of the collector ring 108 so that the drain line 109 may return the collected coating material to the reservoir 112 by gravity.

The internally coated can bodies C pass from the conveyor 45 into the conveyor 24 along the horizontal run 26 thereof. The conveyor 24 carries the freshly coated can bodies into the oven 25 for the purpose of curing the coating material in the known manner.

After the can bodies have been cured, when a second coating is desired, the can bodies are delivered to the coating apparatus 28. The coating apparatus 28, as is best shown in FIGURE 9, includes a base 120 which includes a lower horizontal plate 121. A vertical plate 122 extends upwardly from the base 120 along the rear edge of the plate 121. An upper horizontal plate 123, which generally corresponds to the horizontal plate 42 of FIGURE 4, is carried by an upper right hand portion of the plate 122. If desired, the plate 123 may be braced from the plate 122 in the same manner shown in FIGURE 4 utilizing gussets.

The coating apparatus 28 includes a horn 125 which cluding a supply tube 127 which is secured to and extends The can bodiesC being cylindrical, no positive support means can be provided for the horn 125. As a result, the horn 125 is of the floating type although it remains constantly in one position. Referring now to FIGURE 12 in particular, it will be seen that a guide block 128 extends from the plate 122 in overlying relation to the base 120. A second guide block 129 extends from the plate 122 above the horn 125. The guide blocks 12% and 129, as is best shown in FIGURE 9, extend the full length of the horn 125. A plurality of vertically disposed support elements 135) (FIGURE 12) pass through and are guided by the guide block 128 for vertical reciprocation. Each support element 130 is provided at the upper end thereof with a tapered end portion 131 which is receivable in a socket 132 in the underside of the horn 125. The support elements 131} each terminate at its lower end in a head 133 which rests upon a cam lobe 134 of a camshaft generally referred to by the numeral 135. A spring 136 is carried by each support element 130 and has the opposite ends thereof in engagement with the guide block 128 and the head 133 of the support element so as to constantly urge the support element 130 downwardly away from the horn and to retain the head 133 thereof in engagement with the cam lobe 134.

The guide block 129 carries a plurality of support ele ments 137 which have the same general external appearance as the support elements 130, but are of a different construction, as will be disclosed hereinafter. It is to be noted from FIGURE 9 that the support elements and 137 are disposed in opposed, aligned relation. The lower end of each support element 137 is in the form of a tapered end portion 138 which is receivable within a socket 140 in the upper part of the horn 1.25, in the manher best illustrated in FIGURE 13. The upper end of each support element 137 terminates in a head 1 11 which bears against a cam lobe 142 of a camshaft, generally referred to by the numeral 143. A coil spring 144 is carried by the upper part of each support element 137 and constantly urges the support element 137 upwardly into engagement with the respective cam lobe 142.

The cam shaft 135' is driven by means of a drive unit 145 which has .a drive sprocket 146, as is shown in FIG- URE 9. A driven sprocket 1-17 is mounted on the left end of the camshaft 135 and is connected to the drive sprocket 146 by means of a drive chain 143.

A transverse shaft 149 extends across the apparatus 28 at the right end of the camshaft 135, as is shown in FIG- URE 9. The shaft 149 is supported by a bearing support 150 and by suitable bearing means carried by the generally L-shaped bracket 151 which is secured to the horizontal plate 121. At this time, it is pointed out that the camshaft 135 is supported by a pair of plates 152 which extend upwardly from the plate 121 adjacent opposite ends of the camshaft 135. The right end of the camshaft 135 is provided with a bevel gear 153 which is meshed with a bevel gear 154 carried by the shaft 149.

The camshaft 143 is supported by a pair of bearing plates 155 disposed adjacent the opposite ends thereof and carried by the vertical plate 122, as is shown in FIG- URE 12. In order that the camshaft 143 may be driven in unison with the camshaft 135, a vertical shaft 156 is provided to the left of the plate 122. The vertical shaft 156 is supported for rotation by means of a pair of hearing supports 15']. The lower end of the vertical shaft 156 is provided with a gear 158 which is meshed with a gear 159 carried by the left end of the shaft 149, which left end of the shaft 149 extends to the left side of the vertical plate 122. The upper end of the shaft 156 is provided with a gear 160 which is meshed with a gear 161 on an upper horizontal shaft 162 which extends through the vertical plate 122 and is supported by a suitable bearing member 163. The right end of the shaft 162 carries a gear 16-1 which is meshed with a gear 155 on the right end of the camshaft 143, as is shown in FIGURE 9.

Referring further to FIGURE 9, it will be seen that the arrangement of the support elements 130 and 137, and the configuration of the lobes of the camshafts 135 and 143 provides for a progressive movement of the supporting elements away from the horn 125, as can bodies C pass therealong. However, a sufficient number of the support elements 130 and 137 remain in engagement with the horn 125 to support it in a fixed position at all times. Rotation of the horn 125 is prevented by the engagement of the ends of the support elements 130 and 13 7 in the respective sockets in the horn 125.

Can bodies C are advanced along the horn 125 by means of a drive unit, generally referred to by the numeral 166. The drive unit 166 includes a drive sprocket 167 disposed at the right end of the horn 125, and a driven or idler sprocket 16S beyond the left end of the horn 125, as is shown in FIGURE 9. An endless chain 169 is entrained around the sprockets 167 and 168 and has a plurality of outwardly projecting dogs 170 carried thereby. The dogs 170, as is best shown in FIGURE 10, pass in a horizontal groove 171 formed in the side of the horn 125 and engage behind can bodies so as to move the can bodies along the horn 125. The sprocket 168 is mounted on a suitable support arm 172 which extends from the guide block 128. This is best shown in FIGURE 9.

Referring now to FIGURE in particular, it will be seen that a pair of bearing supports 173 extend inwardly from the L-shaped bracket 151 and carry a longitudinally extending shaft 174. The right end of the shaft 174 is provided with a bevel gear 175 which is meshed with a like gear 175 carried by the shaft 149. The left end of the shaft 174 is provided with a bevel gear 177 which is meshed with a bevel gear 178 carried by the lower end of a vertical shaft 179, the shaft 179 carrying the sprocket 167. The shaft 179 is supported by a pair of bearing supports 18% which extend to the left from the L-shaped bracket 151.

Referring now to FIGURE 9 again, it will be seen that can bodies passing from the horn 125 are received by a first conveyor 181 and are then transferred to a second conveyor 182. The conveyors 131 and 182 correspond to the conveyors 44 and 45, with the conveyor 181 being driven from the conveyor 182 by means of drive chains 183. The mounting and construction of the conveyor 181 may be identical to that of the conveyor 44, with the components of the conveyor 1181 supported from the plates 122 and 123. Further, the left end of the conveyor 182 may be of the same construction as that shown in FIG- URE 4 with respect to the left end of the conveyor 45. However, the conveyor 182 is driven in a different manner from the conveyor 44, and the details of this drive are shown in FIGURE 11.

Referring now to FIGURE 11 in particular, it will be seen that there are illustrated the details of the right end of the conveyor 182. The conveyor 132 includes an upper bearing member 185 which supports for rotation an upper shaft 186, the shaft 186 extending through the vertical plate 122. On the right end of the shaft 136 is a vertically disposed upper pulley 187.

A second bearing member 158 extends to the right from the vertical plate 122 and supports a horizontal shaft 189. The shaft 189 extends through the vertical plate 122 and is provided on the right end thereof with a vertically disposed pulley 199 which lies in the same plane as the pulley 187.

A bearing support 191 extends from the plate 122 intermediate the bearing members 185 and 188 and supports a vertically disposed shaft 192. A horizontal pulley 193 is carried by the lower end of the shaft 192 for rotation.

A support arm 194 extends to the right from the vertical plate 122 below the bearing member 183. The support arm 194 carries a vertical bearing member 195 which, in turn, supports for rotation a vertical shaft 196. A second horizontal pulley 197 is carried by the upper end of the shaft 196 and lies in the same plane with the pulley 193. It is to be noted that the pulleys 187, 190, 193 and 197 are disposed in a rectilinear pattern.

The simultaneous driving of the pulleys 187, 190, 193 and 197 i accomplished by means of a main drive shaft 198 which is horizontally disposed and is supported by a bearing 199 carried by the vertical plate 122 adjacent one end thereof and at the opposite end thereof by a bearing support 291 which extends upwardy from the horizontal plate 121. The shaft 198 carries a sprocket 2111 which is aligned with a sprocket 292 of a variable speed drive unit 293 which is best shown in FIGURE 9. The sprockets 201 and 202 are coupled together by a drive chain 294.

The shaft 198 is provided with an intermediate gear 205 which is meshed with a gear 2% on the lower end of the shaft 196 to drive the pulley 197. A second gear 2417 is carried by the left end of the shaft 198 to the left of the vertical plate 122. A gear 2118 is meshed with the gear 207, the gear 203 being carried by a vertical shaft 209.

The vertical shaft 269 is supported by a pair of bearing supports 21%) and 211. The shaft 209 has an intermediate gear 212 which is disposed below the bearing support 211 and which is meshed with a gear 213 on the shaft 129 to drive the pulley 190.

The upper end of the shaft 209 is provided with a gear 214, which is disposed above the bearing support 211. The gear 214 is meshed with a gear 215 secured to the shaft 186 for driving the pulley 137. The shaft 186 is provided with a gear 216 which is meshed with a gear 217 carried by the shaft 192 for driving the pulley 193.

For each of the pulleys 187, 190, 193 and 197, there is a corresponding pulley 220. The pulleys 221) are idler pulleys and entrained over each pair of pulleys is an endless belt 221, the endless belts 221 being spaced circumferentially around the path of movement of can bodies in the manner best shown in FIGURE 11. The conveyor 181 is provided with a plurality of endless belts 222 which correspond to the endless belts 221. Each endless belt 222 is supported at opposite ends thereof by pulleys 223 and 224 in the manner previously described with respect to the conveyor 44.

Reference is now made to FIGURE 13 wherein it is shown how the coating material is delivered into the interior of the horn 125. It is to be noted that the horn is of a hollow construction and accordingly has a passage 227 therethrough. The horn 125 has a bore 228 therethrough in alignment with each of the sockets 1 .0. The bore 228 terminates in the respective socket and is provided with a valve seat outer portion 229 immediately adjacent to the socket 140. The rear end of each of the bores 228 is closed by a plug 239 which has a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings 231 therethrough. The plug 230 also has a centrally located bore 232 in which a stem 233 of a valve 234 is positioned. A spring 235 carried by the valve stem 233 constantly urges the valve 234 outwardly into engagement with the valve seat 229 to close the bore 228.

The support element 137 is of a tubular construction and has a bore 236 extending most of the distance therethrough. The bore 236 opens at the lower end thereof into a chamber 237 into which coating material passes through a hose 233. The lower end of the support element 137 has a small diameter opening 239 therethrough which opens into the chamber 237 and through which coating material exists from the support element 137. The opening 239 terminates at its lower end in a valve seat 240 which is normally engaged by a valve member 241 so as to seal the ame. The valve member 241 is carcoating material exists from the support element 137. ried by a valve stem 242 which, in turn, is carried by a rod 243 which extends through the bore 236.

The bore 236 has an enlarged intermediate portion 244 in which there is positioned .a collar 245 carried by the rod 243. A spring 24 6 encircling the rod 243 bears against the collar 245 and urges the same upward-1y so as to normally retain the valve member 241 in seated engagement with the valve seat 240. At this time, it is pointed out that the support element 137 is of a two-piece construction in order to facilitate the assembly of the components therein and the two pieces are connected together as at 247.

The head 141 of each support element 137 is provided with a transverse slot 24:8 which opens into the upper end of the bore 236. The associated cam lobe 14-2 for the support element 137 is provided with a secondary narrow cam lobe 25%: which lies in the slot 248 and which constantly bears against the upper end of the rod 243 so as to control the opening of the valve 241 in timed relation to the seating of the lower end 138 of the support element 137 in the socket 142. It is to be noted that the valve member 234 remains in a closed position until the valve member 241 is opened, and that the valve member 241 serves to unseat the valve member 234. Thus, escape of coating material is prevented.

At this time, it is pointed out that the supply tube 127 of the film forming head 126 is coupled to the right end of the horn 125 in a manner so as to close the passage 227 and to receive coating material therefrom. It is also pointed out that in FIGURE 9 several of the support elements 137 are illustrated as not being capable of supplying coating material to the horn 125. It is, accordingly, pointed out that it is not necessary that all of the support elements 137 be capable of supplying coating material. However, it is necessary that at all times a support element 137 capable of supplying coating material to the horn be seated in the horn in a coating material supplying position.

The film forming head 126 corresponds to the head 96, and no further description thereof is believed to be necessary. There is, however, associated with the film forming head a collector ring 251 which receives the film of coating material from the head 126 when no can bodies are in position for receiving the film. The collector ring 251 may be of the same construction as the collector ring 108, or may have a slight variation in cross-section from the purely arcuate cross-section of the collect-or ring 168. The collector ring 251 is provided with a drain line 252 which empties into a reservoir 253 carried by the plate 121.

A pump 254 is coupled to the reservoir 253 by means of an inlet line 255. A discharge line 256 incorporating .a pressure control valve 257 is coupled to the discharge of the pump 254 and leads to a manifold passage 258 in the guide block 128. The hoses 238 from the support elements 137 are coupled into the manifold 258 for receiving coating mate-rial therefrom.

It is to be understood that can bodies C freely pass along the floating :horn 125 intermediate the reciprocating support elements 130 and 137. It is also to 'be understood that as the can bodies C move oil of the right end of the floating horn 125, the can bodies are engaged by the conveyor 181 and supported and moved thereby. As the can bodies C are being transferred from the conveyor 181 to the conveyor 182, they pass over the film forming head 126 and through the collector ring 251 and interrupt the film of coating material discharging from the head 126 so that the interiors of the can bodies are coated. The conveyor 182 delivers the can bodies to the conveyor 29 which suitably further directs the can bodies.

It is to be understood that the can bodies C may be provided with a single internal coating, and that this may be applied by the coating apparatus 28. It is also to be understood that the coating apparatus 28 is not limited in use to the coating of can bodies in that various tubular members could be fed down the chute 27 and directed onto the floating horn 125.

Although the coating apparatuses disclosed herein are primarily intended for the coating of the entire interior of a can body, it is also possible to utilize the film forming heads 96 and 12% for the side striping of the seam of a can body. To this end, there is provided an adapter plate 260 which is best shown in FIGURE 14. The adapter plate 26tlis provided with a wedge-shaped opening 261 therein through which the coating material may be discharged. When the adapter plate 260 is utilized, it is placed intermediate the square cut end 93 of the supply tube 97 and the face 104 of the end plate 1132. The end plate 1tl2 will cl-arnpingly engage the adapter plate 260 and the thickness of the adapter plate 266 will control the film thickness discharging from the spray head 96. Of course, the opening 261 in the adapter plate 263 will be directed towards the side seams of the can bodies passing thereover.

Referring now to FIGURE 15 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a slightly modified form of collector ring, which is generally referred to by the numeral 265. The collector ring 265 includes an annular plate 266 against which the film of coating material imping-es when no can body is in position to intercept the film. It is to be noted that the annular plate 266 is disposed slightly downstream of the associated film forming head which will be described in detail hereinafter.

The upper half of the annular plate 266 is provided with a drain gutter 267 which extends along the end periphery thereof. A second drain gutter 263 extends around the lower half of the annular plate 266 about the outer periphery thereof. It will be readily apparent that the coating material striking the upper half of the annular plate 266 will drain down into the drain gutter 267 and that the coating material striking the lower half of the annular plate 266 will drain down into the drain gutter 268. Further, the coating material collected by the drain gutter 267 will be directed downwardly into the drain gutter 268. A drain pipe 269 is connected to the extreme lower part of the drain gutter 268 for leading the collected coating material away from the collector ring 265.

The collector ring 265 requires a slightly modified form of film forming head, which is generally referred to by the numeral 270. The head 27% includes a supply tube 271 having a stud 272 projecting from the end thereof. The supply tube 271 differs from the supply tube 97 in that in lieu of being square cut, the supply tube 271 is provided with an outwardly beveled end 273. The stud 272 carries an end plate 274 which has an outer face portion 275 opposing the beveled end 273 of the supply tube 271 and being like beveled. In this manner, the film 276 formed by the head 27119 assumes a generally conical pattern, as is shown in FIGURE 15.

The end plate 274 has an elongated nut portion 277 which is threaded on the stud 272. A lock out 278 is also threaded on the stud 272 to lock the end plate 27; in an adjusted position whereby the thickness of the film 276 can be accurately controlled.

The collector ring 265 and the head 27% may be util1zed in the coating apparatuses described hereinabove in lieu of the spray head 96 and the collector rings 1% and 251.

Although only preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that variations may be made in the disclosed structures and the use thereof within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A collector ring disposed in a vertical plane for receiving and collecting a film of coating material which may be oversprayed from a workpiece passing therethrough, said collector ring being generally concentric with and normal to a workpiece path and including an upper portion having a convexly curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing off the edges of the collector ring upper portion and a lower portion having a concavely curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing off the edges of the collector ring lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion gradually flattening toward the horizontal center of said collector ring and being joined together by intermediate surface portions which are substantially flat and linear in a longitudinal direction.

2. A collector ring disposed in a vertical plane for receiving and collecting a film of coating material which may be oversprayed from work passing therethrough comprising an annular plate having inner and outer peripheries, an outwardly and upwardly opening upper trough half connected to said plate along said inner periphery, and an inwardly and upwardly opening lower trough half connected to said plate along said outer periphery, said trough halves being disposed on the same side of said annular plate and terminating at the hori zontal center of said annular plate to facilitate the transfer of coating material from said upper trough half to said lower trough half.

3. In combination, a collector ring disposed in a vertical plane employed in apparatus for coating containers which ring receives and collects a film of coating material oversprayed from a workpiece passing therethrough for return to a coating material reservoir, said ring being generally concentric with and normal to a workpiece path and including an upper portion having a convexly curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing off the edges of the collector ring upper portion, and a lower portion having a concavely curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing off the edges of the collector ring lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion gradually flattening toward the horizontal center of said collector ring and being joined together by intermediate surface portions which are substantially flat and linear in a longitudinal direction, and means connected between the collector ring and the reservoir for returning the oversprayed coating material collected by said collector ring thereto.

4. An apparatus for applying coatings on the interiors of container bodies comprising a first conveyor for engaging the exteriors only of container bodies, a second conveyor aligned with said first conveyor for receiving container bodies from said first conveyor and for engaging the exteriors only of container bodies, a coating material collector ring disposed intermediate said conveyors and encompassing the work path along which container bodies are advanced, said coating material collector ring being generally concentric with and normal to the container body path and including an upper portion having a convexly curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing otf the edges of the collector ring upper portion, and a lower portion having a concavely curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing oif the edges of the collector ring lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion gradually flattening toward the horizontal center of said collector ring and being joined together by intermediate surface portions which are substantially fiat and linear in a longitudinal direction and a coating film forming head disposed within the general confines of the path of container bodies through said conveyors and concentric with said collector ring for forming a continuously outwardly directed coating film toward said collector ring for collecting coating film passing between adjacent container bodies.

5. An apparatus for applying coatings on the interiors of container bodies comprising a first conveyor for engaging the exteriors only of container bodies, a second conveyor aligned with said first conveyor for receiving container bodies from said first conveyor and for engaging the exteriors only of container bodies, a coating material collector ring disposed intermediately said conveyors and encompassing the work path along which container bodies are advanced, said coating material collector ring being generally concentric with and normal to the container body path and including an upper portion having a convexly curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing off the edges of the collector ring upper portion, and a lower portion having a concavely curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing off the edges of the collector ring lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion gradually fiattening toward the horizontal center of said collector ring and being joined together by intermediate surface portions which are substantially flat and linear in a longitudinal direction, a coating film forming head disposed within the general confines of the path of container bodies through said conveyors for forming a continuously outwardly directed coating film towards said collector ring for collecting coating film passing between adjacent con tainer bodies, a coating material reservoir, a pump connected to said reservoir for pumping coating material to said film forming head under pressure, and a return line from said collector ring to said reservoir for returning the coating film to said reservoir which was not intercepted by a container body.

6. An apparatus for applying coatings on the interiors of container bodies comprising a first conveyor for engaging the exteriors only of container bodies, a second conveyor aligned with said first conveyor for receiving container bodies from said first conveyor and for engaging the exteriors only of container bodies, a coating material collector ring disposed intermediate said conveyors and encompassing the work path along which container bodies are advanced, said coating material collector ring being generally concentric with and normal to the container body path and including an upper portion having a convexly curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing off the edges of the collector ring upper portion, and a lower portion having a concavely curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing off the edges of the collector ring lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion gradually flattening toward the horizontal center of said collector ring and being joined together by intermediate surface portions which are substantially flat and linear in a longitudinal direction, and a coating film forming head disposed within the general confines of the path of con tainer bodies through said conveyors for forming a con tinuously outwardly directed coating film toward said collector ring for collecting coating film passing between adjacent container bodies, said film forming head including a coating material supply tube having an end, a centrally located stud projecting from said supply tube end, an end plate carried by said stud and having a face opposing said supply tube end, said face being spaced from said supply tube end and combining therewith to define a continuous annular discharge orifice.

'7. The combination as defined in claim 6 including means for adjusting the spacing between said end plate opposing said supply tube end and said supply tube end for varying the quantity of material supplied by said coating film forming head.

8. An apparatus for applying coatings on the interiors of container bodies comprising a first conveyor for engaging the exteriors only of container bodies, a second conveyor aligned with said first conveyor for receiving container bodies from said first conveyor and for engag ing the exteriors only of container bodies, a coating material collector ring disposed intermediate said conveyors and encompassing the work path along which container bodies are advanced, said coating material collector ring including an annular vertically disposed plate generally normal to path of container body movement, said plate raving inner and outer peripheries, an outwardly and upwardly opening upper trough half connected to said plate along said inner periphery, and an inwardly and upwardly opening lower trough half connected to said plate along said outer periphery, said trough halves being disposed on the same side of said annular plate and terminating at the horizontal center of said annular plate to facilitate transfer of coating material from said upper trough half to said lower trough half, and a coating film forming head disposed within the general confines or' the path of container bodies through said conveyors and concentric with said collector ring for forming a continuously outwardly directed coating film toward said collector ring for collecting coating film passing between adjacent container bodies.

9. An apparatus for applying coatings on the interiors of container bodies comprising a first conveyor for engaging the exteriors only of container bodies, a second conveyor aligned with said first conveyor for receiving container bodies from said first conveyor and for engaging the exteriors only of container bodies, a coating material collector ring disposed intermediate said conveyors and encompassing the work path along which container bodies are advanced, said coating material collector ring being generally concentric with and normal to the container body path and including an upper portion having a convexly curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center or" the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing off the edges of the collector ring upper portion, and a lower portion having a concavely curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing off the edges of the collector ring lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion gradually flattening toward the horizontal center of said collector ring and being joined together by intermediate surface portions which are substantially fiat and linear in a longitudinal direction, a coating film forming head disposed within the general confines of the path of container bodies to said conveyors for forming a continuously outwardly directed coating film toward said collector ring for collecting coating film passing between adjacent container bodies, said film forming head including a coating material supply tube having an end, a centrally located stud projecting from said supply tube end, an end plate carried by said stud and having a face opposing said supply tube end, said face being spaced from said supply tube end and combining therewith to define a continuous annular discharge orifice, and a notched flow control plate clamped between said supply tube end and said plate to restrict flow of coating material to a narrow band to limit the application of coating material to a side stripping of the container body side seam.

1.0. An apparatus for applying coatings on the interiors of can bodies comprising a first conveyor for engaging the exteriors only of can bodies, a second conveyor aligned with said first conveyor for receiving container bodies from said first conveyor and for engaging the exteriors only of container bodies, a coating material collector ring disposed intermediate said conveyors and encompassing the work path along which container bodies are advanced, said coating material collector ring being generally concentric with and normal to the container body path and including an upper portion having a convexly curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing oil the edges of the collector ring upper portion, and a lower portion having a concavely curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing off the edges of the collector ring lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion gradually flattening toward the horizontal center of said collector ring and being joined together by intermediate surface portions which are substantially fiat and linear in a longitudinal direction, a coating film forming head disposed within the general confines of the path of container bodies through said conveyors and concentric with said collector ring for forming a continuously outwardly directed coating film toward said collector ring for collecting coating film passing between adjacent container bodies, each of said conveyors including a plurality of endless conveyor belts with each of said conveyor belts having a run disposed parallel to and immediately adjacent to the path of moving container bodies, there being at least three of said conveyor belts and said runs being spaced circumferentially about said container body path for engagement therewith.

11. An apparatus for applying coatings to the interiors of container bodies passing from a floating horn, said apparatus comprising a first conveyor for engaging the exteriors only of container bodies, a second conveyor aligned with said first conveyor for receiving container bodies from said first conveyor and for engaging the exteriors only of container bodies, a coating material collector ring disposed intermediate said conveyors and encompassing the work path along which container bodies are advanced, said coating material collector ring being generally concentric with and normal to the container body path and including an upper portion having a convertly curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing off the edges of the collector ring upper portion, and a lower portion having a concavely curved inner surface sloping downwardly and towards the longitudinal center of the collector ring to prevent collected coating material from flowing off the edges of the collector ring lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion gradually flattening toward the horizontal center of said collector ring and being joined together by intermediate surface portions which are substantially fiat and linear in a longitudinal direction, and a coating film forming head disposed within the general confines of the path of container bodies through said conveyors and concentric with said collector ring for forming a continuously outwardly directed coating film directed toward said collector ring for collecting coating film passing between adjacent container bodies, said floating horn carrying a supply pipe and thereby supporting said film forming head, feed dog means positioned adjacent said horn for advancing container bodies therealong, and said first conveyor overlapping said horn for receiving container bodies from said feed dog means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 429,464 6/ 1890 Merrill 239-5 14 519,425 5/1894 Frost 239521 1,535,539 4/1925 Mitton 198165 X 1,821,352 9/1931 McManis. 2,181,319 11/1939 Flugge 117-43 2,181,332 11/1939 Kronquest 11821 5 2,206,801 7/ 1940 Aulbach 118215 2,348,495 5/1944 Petersen 1183 17 3,022,014 2/1962 Young 239-521 3,078,823 2/1963 Cummings et al. 118306 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,149,687 7/1957 France.

530,198 7/ 1931 Germany.

CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner. RICHARD D. NEVIUS, Examiner. 

1. A COLLECTOR RING DISPOSED IN A VERTICAL PLANE FOR RECEIVING AND COLLECTING A FILM OF COATING MATERIAL WHICH MAY BE OVERSPRAYED FROM A WORKPIECE PASSING THERETHROUGH, SAID COLLECTOR RING BEING GENERALLY CONCENTRIC WITH AND NORMAL TO A WORKPIECE PATH AND INCLUDING AN UPPER PORTION HAVING A CONVEXLY CURVED INNER SURFACE SLOPING DOWNWARDLY AND TOWARDS THE LONGITUDINAL CENTER OF THE COLLECTOR RING TO PREVENT COLLECTED COATING MATERIAL FROM FLOWING OFF THE EDGES OF THE COLLECTOR RING UPPER PORTION AND A LOWER PORTION HAVING A CONCAVELY CURVED INNER SURFACE SLOPING DOWNWARDLY AND TOWARDS THE LONGITUDINAL CENTER OF THE COLLECTOR RING TO PREVENT COLLECTED COATING MATERIAL FROM FLOWING OFF THE EDGES OF THE COLLECTOR RING LOWER PORTION, SAID UPPER PORTION AND SAID LOWER PORTION GRADUALLY FLATTENING TOWARD THE HORIZONTAL 